“Everyone thinks that we have a big squad, but we don’t, 22 players, and some of them are from the academy, and under 21s. So it's not easy. He actually is doing a fantastic job.”

Further quizzed over the Portuguese coach's methods that set him aside from mere mortals, the midfielder said: “He just loves winning.

"I’m not just saying other managers I have played under don’t, but he has some edge that goes above anyone else I have ever been with.

Goal! Eden Hazard celebrates after scoring against Palace

“The mentality shows every single training session, or game. I now understand why he has won what he has won in his career.”

Mourinho has also given Fabregas a new lease of life, the player revealed. “He just makes me feel very important within the team.

“He allows me to play the way I feel, and that is very important for a player for the confidence.

“He sticks to me in midfield and the positive note from me is that I can play in deep midfield, I can play as a number 10, I can play 4-3-3.

“That maybe helps, but he still makes me feel things that I didn’t feel for a while. To feel important, to play every game, sometimes he allows me to give speeches. I feel like he trusts me, and that is very important for your confidence and the team.”

Chelsea play their first match as 215 Premier League champions at the Bridge against Liverpool on Sunday.